Services Offered
ASU-Beebe Adult Education offers various services and training to better prepare the community for the workforce. All services are provided free of charge.
- Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes are offered at each of our locations. ABE classes are for those wanting to earn a High School Equivalency (GED®). These classes help build a strong foundation for those who may have been out of school for an extended period or struggled with reading, math or language in the past.
- General Adult Education (GAE) classes are for those who score high enough on the TABE assessment to prepare for the GED®. These classes are for those who have a solid foundation in reading, math and language but need instruction or practice with higher-level thinking skills in these subjects, as well as science and social studies.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are offered on the Searcy campus. ESL classes are for those whose native language is something other than English and who want to learn to read, write and speak English. Enrollment includes taking the TABE® Class-E to assess the student’s level of knowledge in English.
- Workforce Preparation Certificate (WAGE) program is for any student, even one with a high school diploma. Students earn the certificate by working with a career coach and instructor to learn about workplace readiness, financial literacy, digital literacy, basic reading and math. Completing the WAGE certificate shows potential employers that a student has prepared for the workplace by a commitment to a goal and achieving at least 80% on all coursework.
- Brush-up classes are offered at each of our locations. Brush-up is for high school graduates needing refresher training before starting college.
- GED® Exam may be taken at our Searcy campus. The only cost associated with this test is $16 for students enrolled in our classes. Once a student meets or exceeds the required level on the assessment (TABE®), they may proceed to the GED® Ready Test after a recommended number of hours of instruction, either in-class or online. Upon successful completion of all four sections of the GED®, the student will have earned an Arkansas High School Diploma. All graduates are encouraged to participate in our commencement exercises to celebrate their achievements.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is a service offered to individuals who qualify for TANF funds. In addition to our regular free services, these clients receive help from a career coach with resume building, career searches, interest inventories, mock interviews, goal setting, enrollment in college/technical programs and enrollment in our WAGE certificate course. If you need a high school diploma, we can also help with that. To see if you qualify, contact TANF representatives at 501.388.2282 or 501.388.2993.
- SNAP E&T Program (Employment & Training) If you are a SNAP recipient and would like to be part of a program that helps you prepare for and find employment, our E&T program is for you. Individual coaching in employability skills, career interest inventories, resume writing and other skills is provided. The program includes a course in workforce preparation whereby you earn a WAGE certificate. Please contact the Snap E&T case manager at 501.207.6295.
- Workplace training classes: We partner with local employers to provide free on-site training to workers who benefit from contextualized language, reading or math instruction.
ASU-Beebe provides equal access to all programs and activities.
Registration
GED Testing
The official GED® Test consists of four subject areas: reasoning through language arts, science, social studies, and mathematical reasoning. A test taker must earn a 145 or higher on each subject to earn a GED®. These score requirements ensure that GED® test takers are able to read, compute, interpret information and express themselves in writing. The cost for official testing is $4 per subject ($16 for the four subjects).
A student must be at least 16 years of age to be eligible to take the test. Students ages 16 and 17 must provide the required paperwork from their local school district before they may schedule to test. Call 501.207.6290 for more information.
Preliminary testing is required before a student may take the official GED® exam. Students must provide a current Arkansas ID or driver's license and social security card when they take the GED®. The GED® Ready Test and the GED® test must be taken at an approved Arkansas adult education center. GED® study guides are available at most local libraries and bookstores.
If you took the GED® test in Arkansas and wish to have an official copy of your scores mailed to a college/institution, employer, agency or yourself, you must submit a written/signed request to the GED® Testing Office. The transcript request form can be accessed below.
2014 GED® Test
The GED® 21st Century Initiative has transformed the GED® test into a comprehensive program that will prepare more adult learners for postsecondary education, training and careers. The new assessment system allows adults to demonstrate career and college readiness through a new endorsement. The new test is aligned with Common Core state standards, delivered through computer-based testing requiring basic computer skills and designed to demonstrate career and college readiness. If an individual did not complete their GED® exam before January 2014, they will be required to adhere to the new standards, and any partially completed testing will be void.